The first chapter consists of a systematic literature review and meta-analysis,
which explores the efficacy of using mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) to reduce stress among both professional and parental caregivers of individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). A systematic review returned 2,346 papers, of which, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria (six including professional caregivers, and eight including parental caregivers). Consistent with previous reviews, the meta-analyses identified a small to
moderate effect size of MBIs in reducing stress among parental caregivers. No effect was found for professional caregivers; study findings were mixed, although did highlight a possible doseresponse relationship. Further research is necessary in order to develop the evidence base, however preliminary findings show promise for the use of MBIs for caregivers within ID services.
The second chapter presents findings from an empirical study, which adopted a
qualitative approach to explore service users’ experiences of adapted Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) in community ID services. The principles of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) guided the analysis of semi-structured interviews, conducted with six participants. Four super-ordinate themes emerged from the data; representing the concurrent challenging and rewarding nature of participants’ therapeutic journeys. Implications for
clinical practice and recommendations for future research are discussed.
The third chapter considers theoretical and clinical implications that arose from
the first two papers and highlights a significant paucity of research generally within the field of ID. The paper concludes with personal reflections of the research process.